BRITAIN’S allies must speak out against independence and avert its “cataclysmic” effects on the world, claims former Nato secretary general Lord Robertson.

The one-time Defence Secretary said the “forces of darkness” would love to see the UK torn asunder, and pleaded with Scots to think long and hard about separation.

He told a Washington DC audience: “The loudest cheers for the break-up would be from our enemies. For the second military power in the West to shatter would be cataclysmic in geopolitical terms.

“If the United Kingdom was to find itself embroiled for several years in a torrid, complex, difficult and debilitating divorce, it would rob the West of a serious partner, just when solidity and cool nerves are going to be vital.”

The loudest cheers for the break-up would be from our enemies. For the second military power in the West to shatter would be cataclysmic in geopolitical terms

Lord Robertson

Lord Robertson pleaded with other countries to speak out and added: “If people are worried about it, and I know they are, then I would hope that they would give the message that they would like the United Kingdom to stay together.”

He said Scottish Government plans to remove Trident nuclear submarines could make it “very difficult” for Nato to accept them as a member.

“They wouldn’t just be disarming an independent Scotland, they would effectively be disarming the remainder of the United Kingdom,” he said.

“I don’t think that would be viewed with any great satisfaction by those in the alliance who believe Britain’s nuclear deterrent is part and parcel of the West’s security.”

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Lord Robertson is a very vociferous opponent of independence, so I perhaps shouldn’t be too surprised by the comments he’s made.”